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Dolphins sign Arena League return man A.J. Cruz

If A.J. Cruz pans out, Jarvis Landry (above) could get a breather this fall for the Dolphins. (Bill Ingram / Palm Beach Post)

For some time, the Dolphins have sought ways to utilize Jarvis Landry’s valuable kick-return skills while not wearing him out so much it affects his performance as a receiver.

Perhaps coach Adam Gase has found a way.

The Dolphins are signing A.J. Cruz, a returner for the Arena League’s Arizona Rattlers, according to USA Today and Sirius NFL reporter Tom Pelissero.

Cruz

Last year, Cruz was given a three-year contract by the Chicago Bears. Although he was later waived/injured, it appears Gase, then the Bears’ offensive coordinator, saw enough potential in Cruz to give him another shot at the NFL this summer.

Cruz, who grew up in California and attended Brown University, is 5-feet-9, 195 pounds and turns 25 Saturday.

Last year, he returned 51 kickoffs for 1,221 yards (a 23.9 average) and six touchdowns in 12 games. He also had 45.5 tackles at linebacker, 220 yards and five TDs receiving and 46 yards and three TDs as a fullback. In 2014, as a rookie with the L.A. Kiss, he averaged 22.5 yards on kickoffs.

“I like being on the field all the time,” Cruz told The Arizona Republic. “I like having the ball in my hands. I’ve been fortunate to have some great opportunities.”

Last month, special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi said he hoped to have options for kickoff and punt return duties. He said it was a “double-edged sword” exposing Landry in those roles.